(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle

I was riding number nine

Heading south from Caroline

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Got in trouble, had to roam

Left my gal and left my home

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid acting smart

I went and broke my darling's heart

I guess I was too young to know

They took me off the Georgia Main

Locked me to a ball and chain

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

All alone I bear the shame

I'm a number, not a name

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

All I do is sit and cry

When that evening train goes by

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell

'Til my body's just a shell

And my hair turns lighter than snow

I'll never see that gal of mine

Lord, I'm in Georgia doing time

I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I heard that lonesome whistle blow